The government of Zimbabwe, through the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use)Regulations published in the government gazette of 17 September 2010, has banned the importation of second-hand vehicles which are older than five years from the date of manufacture, as part of measures to reduce the loss of lives on the country's roads. Similarly, left-hand driven vehicles are banned, effective March 2011.One news report (see source below) noted:

'The statutory instrument says in part: "No person shall import any vehicle for registration and use on any road in Zimbabwe if the year of manufacture from the country of origin is more than five years." "Provided that this shall not apply to any motor vehicle registered in Zimbabwe before the 31st of March, 2011."Used Japanese cars (pictured) have become popular with Zimbabweans over the years as they are cheaper than those assembled locally.'